UConn Men’s Basketball Comes Up Short vs. Michigan in Title Game, 63-69

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots the ball against Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the second half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images The quest for the UConn men’s basketball team’s seven national championship fell short on Monday night, with the Huskies losing to Michigan 63-69. Alex Karaban in his final game of a storied, historic career, led UConn with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Tarris Reed Jr added 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins chipped in 11 points apiece. The Huskies went punch-for-punch with the Wolverines in the first half, but four-straight turnovers early in the second half put UConn too far behind. There would be no frantic comeback, with Michigan making 25 of its 28 free throws and scoring 36 points in the paint.

UConn cut it to five and had a three to get to within two with 17 seconds, but Karaban’s attempt fell short. The Huskies ended the game making one of their last seven shots. Tough scenes all around.

The gameplan mostly worked; Michigan shot 2-15 from three and UConn won the rebounding margin 46-39. They slowed down the Wolverines in transition and got a 4/13 night from Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg. But Michigan just kept throwing its weight around inside, and their switchability on defense disrupted UConn’s usually flowy offense.